Monday, August 5, 2013

The 52nd season of Putnam County Playhouse
continues with the musical “The Drowsy Chaperone.” It will be on stage August 8-10 and August
14-17. All performances begin at 8 p.m.
Tickets can be reserved by calling the box office at 765-653-5880 during its
regular hours 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. beginning Monday, August 5th. All
seats are reserved and all seats are $10.

“The Drowsy Chaperone” book is by Bob Martin & Don
McKellar with music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison. It was nominated for thirteen Tony Awards in
2006, and won five.The production is sponsored by First National Bank and
Shuee’s Furniture and Mattress.

This production is being directed by Shelly McFadden. Shelly
directed “The Music Man” in 2011 and “Thoroughly Modern Millie” last season. Vocal
director is Ric McFadden (who also appears in the show briefly). Ric has
appeared in many shows at PCPH including “Camelot” (twice) and “I’ll Be Back
Before Midnight.” Marilyn Burdsall is music director and pianist
for the show. Marilyn has been the musical
director or pianist for many shows including “You’re A Good Man, Charlie
Brown”, “Man of La Mancha”, “Clue The Musical”, and “The Music Man.” The band
includes Michael McClaine, percussion; Drew Brattain, bass; and Geoff Price,
keyboards. Choreography is by Deb Grammel, who is an Assistant Adjunct
Professor at DePauw where she teaches dance and movement.

Shelly McFadden, the director.

At the top of the show, the Man in the Chair (Jack Randall
Earles) tells us about his favorite musical, the 1928 production of “The Drowsy
Chaperone.” As he plays the record, the musical comes to life in his living
room. Earles last appeared onstage at PCPH in “See How They Run”. He also
directed “Angel Street” earlier this season. Characters in the show include the
bride-to-be Janet (Meghan Armitage) and her love struck groom Robert (Brad
Sandy). Sandy and Armitage appeared in
leading roles together in “Bye Bye Birdie.” Handed the task of keeping them
apart until the wedding are the best man George (Cameron Callan) and the Drowsy
Chaperone (Julia Kapke). Callan played the title role in “You’re A Good Man,
Charlie Brown” this season and has also appeared in “Camelot” and “Thoroughly
Modern Millie.” Kapke is making her PCPH debut with “The Drowsy Chaperone.”

Meghan Armitage & Brad Sandy.

The wedding is to be held at the estate of the wealthy Mrs.
Tottendale (Tammy Hunter) who is having trouble with her butler, Underling (Lee
Reberger). Hunter was in “The Curious
Savage” last season and earlier played a major role in “Don’t Drink the Water”.
Reberger is making his PCPH debut in this production although he is well known
to Brazil audiences for his work at Community Theater of Clay County. Other guests include a Broadway producer, Mr.
Feldzig (David Roberts); his chorine girlfriend, Kitty (Sarah Bond); and the
King of Romance, Aldolpho (TJ Tincher). Roberts is making his PCPH
debut. Sarah appeared in “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and five other musicals at
PCPH. Tincher appeared as Jack Manningham in “Angel Street” earlier this
season.

Tammy Hunter & Lee Reberger

The proceedings are further interrupted by a pair of
Broadway gangsters (Troy Pierce and Dustin Bond) and a high-flying aviatrix
(Ashlee Vitz). Pierce and Bond appeared together at PCPH in “The Music Man.”
Dustin has also appeared in “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and “The Music Man.”
Vitz was Guenevere in the 2011 production of “Camelot.”

Troy Pierce, Sarah Bond, Dustin Bond

The ensemble includes Jacob Peterman, Chris Wurster, Abby
Cheek, Hannah Brattain, Lori Briones, and Joe Lippard. Wurster, Brattain,
Briones, and Lippard have all been onstage at PCPH. Peterman and Cheek are making their PCPH debuts.

Julia Kapke as Beatrice Stockwell as Hamlet

Scenic designer is Linda Gjesvold. Technical design is by
Bryan Kent. Costumer is Diana Van
Middlesworth with new costume construction by Pat Armitage. Brenda McClaine is
running the light board, and the sound board is being controlled by Craig Armitage. Vitz is the production stage manager and
assistant director. She is being assisted by Jessica Masner on the stage crew.
Elijah Brattain and Ciara Lippard are the spotlight operators.